Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 88119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“This little girl is supposed to take my place, huh?” His eyes burned into mine, never wavering.
I bristled, but stopped myself from saying something. I returned his gaze. I wouldn’t let that man intimidate me.
“She’s more than capable,” Major said through gritted teeth. His expression made it plainly clear how little he thought of the man in front of him. But I thought that went both ways. There wasn’t any love lost between them.
“Then get on with it, Missy. Show me what you got,” he said in a deep southern drawl, all charm and smile. He seemed to find himself very funny.
Since he’d already touched me, I’d already collected the DNA I needed to shift into his form. But then I hesitated. I had a better idea. I let the familiar rippling sensation wash over me, felt my bones grow and shift, saw my skin darken to caramel. The man let out a whistle.
“Holy moly. Not bad.” He glanced between Major and me. “I couldn’t tell who’s the real one.”
A self-satisfied smile tugged at my lips but it died when I noticed the look on Major’s face. His lips were set in a hard line, eyes burning with anger. He’d never said as much, but apparently changing into him was off limits. I glanced at Summers for help but her face didn’t give anything away.
“You know, Antonio,” Senator Pollard said snidely. Major tensed at the use of his first name. Only Martha was allowed to call him that. “She actually manages to make you look better. I guess that’s because she isn’t so tense and stuck up.”
With a violent shudder, I hastily changed back to myself. I didn’t want to give Senator Pollard any more reason to provoke Major who looked already close to exploding.
“As you can see, Tessa is the perfect agent for the job,” Major said curtly. “She’ll make sure this mission is a success.”
“She’d better. Some people would love to see her fail and have your trust in her be thrown in your face.” His cold eyes settled on me. “You’re being watched.”
I didn’t dare ask what that meant, and Major’s scowl made it clear he wouldn’t tell me. And maybe it was for the best. It would only distract me from the mission. Major dismissed me with a nod, but as I stepped out of the office, Senator Pollard’s words made me pause. I slowly closed the door behind me, stopping to listen to as much of their conversation as I could.
“Someone has stolen the files about the FEA prison,” the senator said.
I was glad that the senator saw no reason to keep his voice down. I held my breath and pressed my ear against the door.
“Why has no one informed me of this before?” Major demanded.
“I suppose they think it’s my concern.”
“Your concern? You haven’t been there once in all these years. If you had any sense at all, you wouldn’t have kept sensitive information in a building full of non-Variants. This is FEA business.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, my friend. You can’t just build a prison and think the FBI and federal government won’t keep an eye on it. You’re given a lot of leeway with your decisions but we have to at least pretend to work under federal laws.”
“You don’t realize the consequences of your incompetence.”
“And you are a drama queen.”
I had to stifle a gasp.
Senator Pollard continued as if he hadn’t just insulted Major. “What can they do with a file? So what if they know who’s been locked up in our prison?”
I heard some rustling behind the door before it opened. I stumbled back but it was too late. Summers had seen me. She slipped the door shut behind her as she stepped out and cocked a blond eyebrow.
“Poking your nose into things that aren’t your business?”
I was about to reply but she didn’t give me the chance. “Curiosity killed the cat. Some things better stay a secret, believe me,” she added, then she strode down the corridor.
Was she talking about Alec’s secret Variation? Or were there more secrets—even darker secrets—I didn’t know?
Tanner was the one who brought me the clothes I was to wear as Senator Pollard: a dark gray suit, a white shirt and a red tie, as well as white cotton briefs and an undershirt. I hadn’t considered that I’d have to wear his underwear, too.
Tanner leaned against the doorframe, twisting his septum piercing. His expression was too serious.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“I need to talk to you,” he said. “About Alec.”
Dread settled in the pit of my stomach. That was the last thing I wanted to talk about.
“Can it wait until later? I need to change.” I couldn’t even look him in the eyes. He was Alec’s best friend. He’d probably been in on his secret from the start. I knew which side he was on.